Latino Fashion Week, a celebration of style with an emphasis on Hispanic designers and models, kicks off Monday.

Events are being held at locations all over the city including fashion shows, design competitions and retail showcases.

Chicago Latino Fashion Week 2008

The opening event is a hair and makeup competition at Green Dolphin (222 N Ashland) from 7-10 p.m.

Other highlights throughout the week include a Gen-Y fashion show at North Grand High School (4338 W Wabansia) on Thursday, and an International Showcase trade and fashion show Saturday at V-Live (2047 N. Milwaukee).

Getting To Know Chicago Designer Anna Fong

"The purpose is to support local Latino designers and those that work in the fashion industry," organizer Cesar Rolan said. "We started this three years ago because there was no presence here whatsoever, no stories that were getting out and only one or two Latino models that were getting any exposure.

Chicago's Latino Fashion Week is the only one of its kind in the country.